Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard met today with the National Tourism Business Council (CNET) to discuss boosting tourism promotion abroad with the support of the Foreign Ministry to increase employment and the wellbeing of Mexicans.
During the meeting, the Foreign Secretary discussed the steps the Foreign Ministry and its representations abroad have taken to strengthen Mexico's image, promote tourism and attract foreign investment.
These actions include promoting Mexico at Expo 2020 Dubai; Mexico's presence at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022; preparations for the North America 2026 FIFA World Cup; and Mexico's bid to once again host the Olympic Games.
On Mexico's bid to host the Olympic Games, the Foreign Secretary highlighted the potential economic and social benefits.
"The Foreign Ministry has worked hard [...] to promote Mexico abroad, that is, to prevent us from having a diminished presence abroad," he said.
Tourism is more than 9% of Mexico's GDP, which is above the world average, and CNET makes up 96% of private investment in Mexico's tourism sector.
Secretary Ebrard said, "We must activate (tourism) as much as we can, which is inextricably linked to Mexico’s image and prestige around the world; that is the number one priority…So, it must be a priority of our diplomacy, not only as an economic strategy, but in other areas, [...] in addition to jobs.’
The participants agreed that the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the greatest challenges for tourism globally and in Mexico. However, thanks to the actions taken by the Mexican government, with the support of the private sector, including the decision not to close our airspace and to maintain our connectivity, we are positioned as one of the main tourist destinations worldwide.
Mexico, by virtue of its bi-oceanic and biodiverse potential, as well as its ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversity, is destined to be one of the world's main tourist destinations, and the Foreign Secretary promised to continue promoting actions in this area.
He said, "We have a very big opportunity and we are already seeing it in the fact that there will be significant investments in the North American region, and Mexico will play a very important role, not only due to its workforce and proximity, but also because we have more trade facilities than the United States has.”
The Government of Mexico, through the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, has been working to promote tourism diplomacy and national tourism policy as part of its foreign policy and public diplomacy.
